Two construction workers are fighting for their lives after being buried waist deep in soil following a wall collapse at a job site in York, Toronto, on Monday morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene near Edmund Avenue and Weston Road at approximately 11:39 a.m. after reports that the two men had become trapped in loose earth following the collapse of a retaining wall. The workers were reportedly conscious and breathing when rescue teams arrived but were described by paramedics as being in life threatening condition.
Toronto Fire officials immediately began efforts to stabilise the site and prevent further collapse. An excavator was quickly brought in to assist with the delicate and dangerous rescue operation, which required careful excavation to free the men without causing additional injury or instability to the surrounding ground.
Both workers were successfully extricated and transported to hospital. Their identities have not been released and no updates on their conditions have yet been provided.
The incident has forced the closure of Weston Road between Jane Street and Denison Road East. Police are urging drivers in the area to avoid the route and expect delays while crews continue securing the site and investigating the cause of the collapse.
Officials from Ontario’s workplace safety regulator have been notified and are expected to conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether proper safety protocols were followed.
